FCC invests in new technology for Lakeland’s student-managed farm

Lakeland College students have access to more cutting-edge agricultural technology and work-integrated experiences thanks to Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

FCC gifted Lakeland $10,000 to purchase a MobiLab unit and supplies from METOS Canada for Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland at the Vermilion campus. Designed to measure nutrients in the soil and plants, this integrated technology will make data attainable in real-time for Lakeland’s bachelor of agriculture technology students and research team.

“On behalf of the college, we thank Farm Credit Canada for investing in our agricultural sciences students and research team. This MobiLab technology adds a critical layer of data to their work and provides another avenue for work-integrated learning opportunities,” says Geoff Brown, Lakeland’s dean for the School of Agricultural Sciences. “The MobiLab technology provides on-farm analysis relevant to producer-based concerns in our region that are hard to identify. We’re excited to see this technology put to use to enhance productivity and sustainability in key commercial crops.”

Students will use this technology to analyze samples and interpret results, allowing them to make informed decisions and create a positive return on investment for the application of nutrients. In addition, students can evaluate the total costs and return of using MobiLab compared to conventional nutrient analysis methods.

The MobiLab will integrate with Lakeland’s existing METOS weather and soil moisture monitoring stations used by students to make actionable risk management and profit-producing decisions that may not be apparent without this layer of data. The new technology also augments Lakeland’s participation in the Pan-Canadian Smart Farm Network activities, demonstrating the feasibility of creating a digital twin of the field.

“FCC is proud to support Lakeland College’s MobiLab unit. Students will learn not only how to use this key piece of agricultural technology but also the value it has in elevating the success of any farming operation,” says Diana Laturnus, manager, Special Projects at FCC. “At FCC we are thrilled to see Lakeland’s own smart farm provide the next generation of producers with the knowledge they need to advance the technology used on Canadian farms. The MobiLab is a perfect fit to give students the skills that will serve them well and also the Canadian agriculture industry as a whole.”

About FCC
FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $41 billion. Their employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

Photo: (Left to right) Bachelor of agriculture technology students, Colby Yaremie and Matthew Pfeffer, prepare soil samples for analysis using the iMETOS MobiLab.